Police have launched an urgent appeal for help in tracing a young boy who is currently missing.

Nine-year-old Conor Creaney was reported missing from the Shankill area of Lurgan on Thursday night.

PSNI say Conor went out to play with friends on Thursday afternoon and has not yet returned home.

Launching the appeal for help on Facebook shortly after midnight, police said they had local officers, TSG officers and Community Rescue Service carrying out searches in the town with the assistance of Air Support.

He is described as being 4ft 5in tall of plump build with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a navy and blue jacket, navy tracksuit bottoms and grey trainers.

The young boy is missing from Lurgan (Image: PSNI Craigavon)

Sergeant Melanie Gibson said; “Conor is described as 4’5” tall, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a navy and blue jacket, navy tracksuit bottoms and grey trainers.

“If you have seen Connor or know of his whereabouts please call Lurgan police on 101, quoting reference 2 of 16/02/18.”

Updating the public on the appeal this morning and releasing a new photo, a PSNI Craigavon spokesperson posted: "Following on from our post in the early hours, we still have not located this young gent who has been reported missing from the Shankill area of Lurgan.

"He went out to play with friends yesterday afternoon and has not yet returned home.

"Here is now the most recent photograph we can provide but we will still not be releasing a name at this time.

"Any sightings or information you may have could be vital to finding him. You can contact us on 101 and quote the reference number 2 16/2/18. Please continue to share and spread the word this morning, your assistance really is vital to us."